PACO NEWS

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Now is the perfect time to get involved!  PACO Elections will take place in May.  The following Board positions are available:  Assistant Vice President, Secretary, and President.  The terms for each is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

In addition, we are accepting interest forms for those who may be interested in serving in the following roles in the upcoming year (one year terms):  PR Committee Chair, NFPA Secondary Representative/Statewide Representative, Student Liaison Representative, Pro Bono Committee Chair, Program Committee Chair, Mentoring Committee Chair, and OSBA Paralegal Exam Study Group Sub-Chair.  These positions are a vital part of managing the ongoing processes of PACO.  

The deadline for registration is May 9, 2025.  For more information and to register:

Board Positions:  https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6130254/Registration
Committee Chairs:  https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6130287/Registration 

PARALEGAL DAY

Tickets for Paralegal Day are available on the web site.  Congratulations to Lucinda Miller for being the first to purchase tickets to Paralegal Day!  Early bird ticket sales are available through April 30, 2025.  Ticket prices:  members $45, guests $50, students $35, and tables of eight $300.  Get your tickets soon at  https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6120235

Applications for scholarships are open through April 15, 2025.  For the application, see https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6095228.

We are also accepting nominations for Awards of Excellence through April 15, 2025.  For nominations, please go to https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6095338 no later than April 15, 2025.  

DEADLINE EXTENDED!  Applications for service awards will now be accepted through April 25, 2025.  If you are celebrating 5, 10, 15, or 20 years or more in five year increments, please register at https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6095244 and email your resume to Randi Daniels-Blair at PR@pacoparalegals.org.

PARALEGAL DAY SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors, without whom we could not have events such as Paralegal Day!  Our sponsors for this year include:

Veritext, Andrew Minister
Ohio Reporting, Lisa Gann
Encore Process Service, Jeff Cremeans
US Legal Support, Justin Grubbs
Profile Discovery, Andy Keck

We're so glad to have you on board!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Please join us on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at noon via Zoom when PACO's own Lucinda Miller will present A Day at Trial for the Paralegal.  Registration is open on the web site.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ROUND TABLE

Please join us on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at noon via Zoom when Susie Gentner and Chris Kolmer from the Ohio BWC will discuss Subrogation.  Registration is open on the web site.

LEGAL INSIGHTS

Please join us on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at noon when Derek Graham, Esq. will discuss Legal Preparations for Parents with Children who are Disabled.  Registration is available on the web site. 

OSBA EXAMINATION STUDY GROUP

The study group will meet again on April 8, 2025; April 15, 2025; April 22, 2025; April 29, 2025; May 6, 2025; and May 16, 2025.  The topic for April 8, 2025 is Civil Rules. Please contact Randi Daniels-Blair at randi.daniels90@gmail.com should you wish to join the study group. 

PACO/SPA EVENT

Please join PACO and SPA (Student Paralegal Association at Columbus State Community College) on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:00PM for Insights From the Field:  A Panel Discussion with Attorneys and Paralegals.  This complimentary virtual panel discussion, presented through the collaborative efforts of Columbus State’s Student Paralegal Association and PACO's Student Liaison Committee will provide an in-depth look into what it means to be a paralegal across various legal disciplines and work environments. What sets this panel apart is the unique opportunity to hear directly from both paralegals and their attorneys, offering valuable insights into the dynamics between these roles.

The discussion will be split into two sessions:
•    Session 1 will focus on criminal law, featuring paralegal/attorney pairs from both criminal defense and criminal prosecution.
•    Session 2 will explore the world of in-house vs. private firm roles, with paralegal/attorney duos sharing their experiences and highlighting the similarities and differences between these environments.

We hope you can join us for this informative and interactive event! Registration is available on the web site: https://pacoparalegals.org/event-6143685?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=4/3/2025 

PRO BONO NEWS

Pro bono opportunities are available through LASCO.  Asylum Clinics are being held:

May 13, 2025 9AM-1PM and 1-5PM at Vineyard Community Center, 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville
June 11, 2025 9AM-1PM and 1-5PM at Mauritanian Community Center, 4300 North Kimberly Parkway, Columbus 

Contact Liz Kemmerer for information on how to sign up.  liz@sorokalegal.com 

OSBA NEWS

The OSBA Paralegal Committee will meet again on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 4PM - 5:30PM.  This meeting will be held virtually and is free for OSBA members ($10 for non-members).  Registration is open at https://www.ohiobar.org/2025-events/paralegal-committee-meeting-spring-2025/

Also, the OSBA 25 Mile Challenge for Mental Wellness will take place during the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.  This challenge highlights the importance of mental wellness and creates healthy habits by tracking your mileage all month long.  Proceeds support the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (OLAP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio (NAMI Ohio).  Registration is $25 or $50 with the stylish race t-shirt!  Registration is open through May 10 at https://www.ohiobar.org/member-tools-benefits/practice-resources/wellness/25-mile-challenge/

NFPA HAPPENINGS

NFPA is offering a Webinar titled "Tort Law: A Primer for Legal Professionals" by Dr. Robert N. Diotalevi, Esq., LL.M. on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 1PM EST.  This presentation will review the fundamentals of tort law and will address topics such as torts, negligence, strict liability, defenses, and damages.  Cost is $25.  For more information and to register:  https://www.paralegals.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1956274